Our expert guide to discovering the wedding dress that flatters your figure
By the time you're ready to start wedding dress shopping, you've probably amassed a sizeable list of things you’re looking for in a dream gown. But how do you find the best wedding dress for your body type? If you can narrow down your options before stepping foot in a wedding shop dressing room, you're in for a much more pleasant, laid-back shopping experience.
Finding the best wedding dress for your body type is sometimes easier said than done. Ultimately, you should choose whichever wedding dress silhouette or style makes you feel the most fabulous, but if you have no idea where to begin, we have a few tips. Whether you’re hoping to show off your curves or draw attention to your neckline, there are a few tried-and-true styles that are great options to try if you're just starting out in your bridal shopping journey.
Browse our recommendations for discovering the wedding dress that flatters your figure
Body type: Pear
Suggested wedding dress silhouette: Ball gown
If your hips are wider than your shoulders, or if you have rounded hips and thighs with a defined waist, then you most likely have a pear body shape. Look for a wedding dress that draws attention to your waist while also highlighting your lower half. A bodice that shapes and defines your midsection and a skirt that flares from the hips and thighs will not only make you feel like a princess, but will also create a wow-worthy entrance.
Personalize it! If you’re worried a ball gown is too traditional or formal for your wedding style, consider adding sleeves to your dress for a more relaxed and romantic look. An off-the-shoulder lace sleeve is an easy customization to enhance any bridal style.
Body type: Hourglass
Suggested wedding dress silhouette: Mermaid/Fishtail
You have an hourglass figure if you have a wide bust, narrow waist, and hips that are a similar width to your shoulders. Show off your curves with a flirty and feminine wedding dress style, like a mermaid silhouette. A fitted bodice with a skirt that flares at or below the knee will accentuate your waist and maintain the balanced look of your figure. This wedding dress style evokes an ultra-sexy vibe by bringing attention to your curves in a flattering way for an Old Hollywood glam effect.
Personalize it! Adding embellishments, such as beading or crystals, is a fun way to draw attention to your amazing curves—especially if they are sewn in a design that draws the eye from the bodice down to the flare of your skirt, elongating your figure.
Body type: Inverted triangle
Suggested wedding dress silhouette: Trumpet
For a figure with broader shoulders, you’ll want to opt for a wedding dress that balances your silhouette by bringing attention to your hips. Like a mermaid gown—although slightly more subtle—a trumpet wedding dress flares out from the lower hips/mid-thigh, emphasizing your lower body. You may also want to try a deep V neckline, which can also help balance your shoulders with your lower body.
Personalize it! Back detailing is a great way to add a touch of personalization and romance to a trumpet gown. Since most eyes will be locked on your statement-making train, you can draw eyes upward by adding buttons or feminine lace detailing.
Body Type: Apple
Suggested Wedding Dress Silhouette: A-line
If your upper body is wider than the lower half of your body, or if you have a short torso, find a dress that is narrow at the top and flares out right at the waist. This creates a slenderizing “A” shape that will help elongate your figure and define the shape. The A-line flare isn’t as full as a ball gown skirt but it still flatters your lower half, making it the ideal wedding dress for your body type.
Personalize it! Draw the eyes upward by customizing your neckline or bodice with unexpected details. You can easily accessorize the neckline with illusion lace or by adding some appliqués on the bodice for an eye-catching appearance.
Body type: Straight
Suggested wedding dress silhouette: Sheath
Straight body types have a sleek figure—your shoulders, waist and hips, are all generally the same width. A sheath silhouette is one of the best wedding dresses for this body type, since it will flatter and enhance your natural shape by hugging you in all the right places.
Personalize it! If you want to add the illusion of curves without adding bulk, opt for a belted sash to emphasize your curves and create a waist. Whether you accessorize with a crystal-embellished sash or just a simple ribbon, this quick accessory can totally transform your bridal look.
Now you know which silhouette suits you best, let’s find your dream wedding dress! Click here to book your appointment with our experts at Felicity Rose, and if you would like to find out more about our bridal department and the brands we stock, feel free to check out our wedding dresses page.